Apple today updated the Mac mini with third generation dual-core Intel Core i5 and quad-core Intel Core i7 processors that are up to twice as fast and have integrated graphics that are up to 65 percent faster. The new Mac mini also comes standard with 4GB of 1600 MHz memory with support for up to 16GB, and includes four USB 3.0 ports in addition to its Thunderbolt, HDMI, SDXC, Gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire 800 ports.

The new Mac mini is available with a 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $599; a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, 4GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $799; and a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, OS X Server, 4GB of memory and two 1TB hard drives for a suggested retail price of $999.

I know people will complain about no model with a dedicated graphics chipset, but with quad core and Intel 4000 graphics, I think it's a non issue. The benchmarks (including graphics) should be impressive.

I would like to have one, but I'm not in the market for a new Mac. Having USB 3.0 should be nice for new buyers though. Thunderbolt never really panned out in my book. So this will give you the next best thing in performance for external drives.

$300 for 16GB of RAM? Please do this simple upgrade on your own gang. It's crazy expensive from Apple. You can buy it elsewhere for at least $200 less. It's a nice update otherwise. I would love having USB 3.0 as an option in my current setup.

The benchmark score for the Intel 4000 is 523 vs. Intel Radeon HD 6330M @ 271. Therefore we are looking at about double the performance of the discrete graphics chipset. Not to mention, quad core, 1600MHz bus speed, USB 3 etc. for the same price.

The middle level model is now much more attractive upgrade and the base model is great value for those who don't need a little powerhouse (the 4GB of RAM being the most welcomed update).

I ordered the Core i7-based Mac mini for $799. I almost added the Fusion Drive for another $250, but it brought the total cost up over $1000. I'm going to put that money into adding more memory instead.

Are we all sure the RAM is user upgradeable in this new Mini? I'm thinking along the lines of what they did with the MBA and having the RAM soldered in place.

I'm on the fence about which new MM to get. I'm really stoked about this update. This is the Mini lineup I've been waiting for. The thing that keeps stopping me in my tracks at the online checkout is the 1TB 5400 RPM drives compared to the SSD offerings. I just dont know. I'm so used to the SSD awesomeness in my MBA. If everything is USB 3.0 now... I guess I may as well take the SSD plunge with the new MM. SIGH. Speed speed speed. I keep thinking I will ruin the whole experience if I go with a clunky spinning hard drive. Ahhh.... Decisions decisions.

Well... I've heard it said in the past, go with the fastest processor available... so, looks like I am going to get the midrange model with 2.6Ghz i7, 4GB of RAM and 256G SSD.

Hopefully OWC releases the Ministack Max soon, so I can get some larger storage. Might as well buy a 16GB RAM kit while I am there too (If the RAM is actually user upgradeable in these new minis). Hello OWC... I know you are reading this! I am ready to buy the Ministack Max NOW!!! $$$ I'm throwing money at you!!!! Why won't you take my money!?!?!

Hint to OWC and NewerTech... today would be a really really good launch day for the Ministack Max. Just saying.

I'm not making any buying decision tonight though. Gotta think about this some more. But am definitely getting a 2012 mini. Just gotta make a smart configuration.

Dumb question, but have to ask... Is a 2.3Ghz quad core i5 in these new minis going to be slower, equal to, or faster than the Ivy Bridge 2.0Ghz Core i7 in my 2012 MBA?

Mac mini comes with 4GB of fast 1600MHz DDR3 memory. And thanks to a removable bottom panel, itís easy to add more. Just give it a twist, and youíre in. Pop your new memory into the SO-DIMM slot, and youíre out.

Congrats to all that waited or are in need of a new Mac! The Mac mini truly is a great little system. It's nice to see it upgraded and get some attention for a change. Having USB 3 and one of those new Fusion drives wouldn't be shabby either.

I'm considering upgrading. Not sure to go with a new mini or imac. Love the minis though I have no experience with imacs. I was thinking of going bottom line with the iMac, or go mid level mini up the cpu to the 2.6 i7 and add fusion drive. I currently haven an older 20 inch apple cinema display. Any thoughts cons or pros?

I like the new look of the imac but more so the 27 inch which is way out of my price range. Just looks better aesthetically. If they brought the chin up a little on the 20 inch it would look much better.